{"id":7565,"date":"2017-01-31T09:06:50","date_gmt":"2017-01-31T08:06:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.invoiceberry.com\/?p=7565"},"modified":"2017-01-31T08:49:35","modified_gmt":"2017-01-31T07:49:35","slug":"9-best-invoicing-tips-for-plumbers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/9-best-invoicing-tips-for-plumbers\/","title":{"rendered":"The 9 Best Invoicing Tips for Plumbers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a title=\"How to Start &amp; Grow Your Plumbing Business\" href=\"https:\/\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/how-to-start-grow-plumbing-business\/\" target=\"_blank\">Plumbing<\/a> as an industry has been around since the first leaky faucet, and even before then. It is an industry that will seemingly always be around, as long as there are pipes carrying water.<\/p>\n<p>Plumbing is also a physical job, meaning half the day most plumbers are spending their time bent over and fixing something. The other half of the day, for self-employed plumbers, they\u2019re busy trying to find and secure more clients.<\/p>\n<p>With such a busy schedule, plumbers often have little time to worry about paperwork, even when those <a title=\"What Is an Invoice And How Can I Make One?\" href=\"https:\/\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/what-is-an-invoice-how-can-i-make-one\/\" target=\"_blank\">invoices<\/a> are crucial for their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/free-ebook-small-business-finance-101\/\" target=\"_blank\">finances<\/a>. This unfortunately causes problems in payment, such as late payment or even no payment at all.<\/p>\n<p>However, it doesn\u2019t have to be so difficult. Today we\u2019ll look at the best invoicing tips for plumbers to help them get paid faster.<\/p>\n<div class=\"tip_box choice\" style=\"color:#555;background-color:#fff8f8;border-left:5px solid #e22524;padding:30px 30px 25px 30px\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-sm-4 col-xs-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/how-to-start-grow-plumbing-business\/?ref=9-best-invoicing-tips-for-plumbers\">\n\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog_hp_img\" style=\"height:120px;background-image:url('https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/feature-plumbing-start-business.jpg?fit=600%2C252&ssl=1');\" title=\"How to Start & Grow Your Plumbing Business\" alt=\"\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t \t\t<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-sm-8 col-xs-12\" style=\"text-align: left;font-style: normal;margin-top:-8px;\">\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/how-to-start-grow-plumbing-business\/?ref=9-best-invoicing-tips-for-plumbers\"><span style=\"font-weight:bold;color:#e22524;font-size:16px;display:block;\">How to Start &#038; Grow Your Plumbing Business<\/span><\/a>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span style=\"font-size:14px;color:#000;line-height:1.8;display:inherit;\">The plumbing industry was worth $105 billion in 2015 and is set to increase 12% through 2022. Read our guide on how to start your own plumbing business.<\/span>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/how-to-start-grow-plumbing-business\/?ref=9-best-invoicing-tips-for-plumbers\" style=\"color:#e22524;font-size: 14px;line-height: 2;display: inherit;\">READ MORE<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"clearfix\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<h2>Write down your terms beforehand<\/h2>\n<p>One of the best invoicing tips for plumbers is to be prepared before you even have the job. That means that you\u2019ll need to prepare a list of your service terms so that you and your clients have clear expectations.<\/p>\n<p>On your terms and conditions, you need to state very clearly:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>what kind of payment will be accepted<\/li>\n<li>what the due date is<\/li>\n<li>whether there will be a late payment fee<\/li>\n<li>the terms of the payment (before the job, after the job)<\/li>\n<li>payment frequency (one lump sum, or week by week)<\/li>\n<li>discounted work if there has been an error on the plumber\u2019s side<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Although these can seem quite strict, it is best to set down your conditions beforehand. That way, you\u2019ll avoid any confusion later on.<\/p>\n<h2>Create your price list<\/h2>\n<p>Besides the terms and conditions, you need to clearly put down what your products and services are and how much they cost. The cost here is important, so that your clients are fully aware of what they are getting.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0prices you charge should be determined by:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>your experience<\/li>\n<li>your location<\/li>\n<li>the complexity of the job<\/li>\n<li>whether you work alone or with a team<\/li>\n<li>your speed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Creating such a solid price and services list is one of the best invoicing tips for plumbers. This is because your customer will have clear prices and not be surprised later on.<\/p>\n<p>However, it is also important to be flexible on a case-by-case basis and see if you can negotiate for a bigger job.<\/p>\n<h2>Use software for ease<\/h2>\n<p>It is very important that you get organized in your finances. Using Word invoice templates can be fine, but they won\u2019t help you with all the other parts of your invoicing and financing responsibilities.<\/p>\n<p>For that reason, many people turn to <a href=\"http:\/\/www.invoiceberry.com\" target=\"_blank\">online invoicing software<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7587\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7587\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-7587\" src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/pic-for-mockup-ad2.png?resize=690%2C342&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Online invoicing software such as InvoiceBerry will make your invoicing processes much easier\" width=\"690\" height=\"342\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/pic-for-mockup-ad2.png?w=1919&amp;ssl=1 1919w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/pic-for-mockup-ad2.png?resize=600%2C297&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/pic-for-mockup-ad2.png?resize=1024%2C507&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/pic-for-mockup-ad2.png?w=1380&amp;ssl=1 1380w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7587\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Online invoicing software such as InvoiceBerry will make your invoicing processes much easier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Because everything is saved on the cloud, there is no fear of losing or misplacing important documents. You won\u2019t need to hunt down client information either, as it will all be online.<\/p>\n<p>You can also get extra features like expense tracking, finance reporting and recurring invoicing for regular customers.<\/p>\n<h2>Send out a quote or estimate<\/h2>\n<p>Once you\u2019ve seen the premises or looked at the job (or have a good idea based on pictures or descriptions), create a quote or estimate.<\/p>\n<p>These are important so that you can set firmly what services you will be providing for the specific client. You should include the product\/service, the estimated time, and the overall cost.<\/p>\n<p>Your quote can also easily be converted into an invoice, so you don\u2019t have to repeat the same information. This is most easily done with invoicing software such as InvoiceBerry.<\/p>\n<h2>Send out invoices quickly<\/h2>\n<p>One of the most important invoicing tips for plumbers is that you\u2019ll have to be prompt in creating and sending out your invoices.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s simple really: the faster you send out your invoices, the faster you\u2019ll get paid. This can be done slowly with Word invoices templates. However, if you want to get it done from start to finish in under 60 seconds, you\u2019ll need invoicing software.<\/p>\n<p>That way, you can create and send your invoices in no time and get back to your work.<\/p>\n<p>[ninja-inline id=8005]<\/p>\n<h2>Include all details on your invoice<\/h2>\n<p>In order for you to have the least amount of problems or confusion, you\u2019ll also have to include the most important information on the invoice.<\/p>\n<p>This includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>your payment details (bank details, online payments, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>invoice date and unique invoice number<\/li>\n<li>your business name and address<\/li>\n<li>your company email address and phone number<\/li>\n<li>the hours worked and services provided<\/li>\n<li>the total amount, including taxes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When you send your invoice with these details, your client will be less likely to be confused and more likely to you faster.<\/p>\n<h2>Shorten the due date<\/h2>\n<p>Most businesses set a standard 30-day payment due date on their invoices. Although this is common practice, it is also not very wise.<\/p>\n<p>When you set such a long due date, you are allowing your customer to forget about paying you.\u00a0Either that, or to pay you closer to the end of the due date. That&#8217;s why the average business has to wait <a href=\"http:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/articles\/2016\/10\/small-businesses-across-uk-are-owed-billions-because-of-late-payments\/\" target=\"_blank\">72 days for payment<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Avoid this by setting the due date only 14 days after receipt of invoice. That way, your customer will have to pay you sooner.<\/p>\n<h2>Use unique invoices<\/h2>\n<p>Getting your customer to pay you on time is a lot about sticking in your customer\u2019s mind. Just remember, your customer is busy, too. If they receive another standard-looking invoice, they may just quickly forget about it.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s why you\u2019ll need to start using invoices that are memorable, and even better, suited for you and your job. InvoiceBerry\u2019s invoicing software has a great amount of invoices templates that it uses, and one of those is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/new-invoice-template-plumbers-wrench\/\" target=\"_blank\">just for plumbers<\/a>. With a great plumber invoicing template, your customer will definitely remember you.<\/p>\n<div class=\"tip_box choice\" style=\"color:#555;background-color:#fff8f8;border-left:5px solid #e22524;padding:30px 30px 25px 30px\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-sm-4 col-xs-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/6-worst-accounting-mistakes-small-businesses-make-avoid\/?ref=9-best-invoicing-tips-for-plumbers\">\n\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog_hp_img\" style=\"height:120px;background-image:url('https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/worst-accounting-mistakes.png?fit=600%2C249&ssl=1');\" title=\"The 6 Worst Accounting Mistakes Small Businesses Make and How to Avoid Them\" alt=\"\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t \t\t<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-sm-8 col-xs-12\" style=\"text-align: left;font-style: normal;margin-top:-8px;\">\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/6-worst-accounting-mistakes-small-businesses-make-avoid\/?ref=9-best-invoicing-tips-for-plumbers\"><span style=\"font-weight:bold;color:#e22524;font-size:16px;display:block;\">The 6 Worst Accounting Mistakes Small Businesses Make and How to Avoid Them<\/span><\/a>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span style=\"font-size:14px;color:#000;line-height:1.8;display:inherit;\">You know you wear many hats, and accountant is just one of them. These are the 6 worst accounting mistakes you're probably making, and how to avoid them.<\/span>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/6-worst-accounting-mistakes-small-businesses-make-avoid\/?ref=9-best-invoicing-tips-for-plumbers\" style=\"color:#e22524;font-size: 14px;line-height: 2;display: inherit;\">READ MORE<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"clearfix\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<h2>Always follow up<\/h2>\n<p>Of all the invoicing tips for plumbers, this one is the most serious. You have to stay on top of your late payers. As we said before, it\u2019s understandable that your customers will forget to pay you; they\u2019re busy, too. However, there\u2019s no reason to pay you late, and half of that reason is your fault.<\/p>\n<p>If you don\u2019t follow up on the late payers, they will just continue to forget about you.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s what you need to do:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>the date after the invoice is due, send a polite email reminder<\/li>\n<li>keep the tone professional and the email short (resend the invoice if necessary)<\/li>\n<li>if there is still no payment after a week, make a phone call to the client<\/li>\n<li>keep the tone positive and light, but remind your client that payment is late and there will be a fine (if you\u2019ve decided to include penalties)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>With these steps, your clients will begin to pay you on time, regularly.<\/p>\n<h2>The best invoicing tips for plumbers<\/h2>\n<p>These are some of the best invoicing tips for plumbers we\u2019ve seen here at InvoiceBerry. In order to get paid faster, and more consistently, you\u2019ll have to follow these steps.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Plumbing as an industry has been around since the first leaky faucet, and even before then. It is an industry that will seemingly always be around, as long as there are pipes carrying water. Plumbing is also a physical job, meaning half the day most plumbers are spending their time bent over and fixing something. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":7589,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":""},"categories":[56,91],"tags":[342,392,391],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/feature-invoicing-tips-plumbers.jpg?fit=1380%2C580&ssl=1","jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p5m6q6-1Y1","amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7565"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7565"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7565\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8091,"href":"https:\/\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7565\/revisions\/8091"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7589"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7565"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7565"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7565"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}